Hi  I'm Matic, and I'm taking on the exciting challenge of running my first London Marathon this October – raising funds for Blueprint for All, as part of the wider charitable effort from the campaigns and communications agency, Seven Hills. 

We decided to support Blueprint for All as our chosen charity for the amazing work they do with young people and unprivileged communities to create a more inclusive and fairer society.

Personally, the cause Blueprint for All – formerly the Stephen Lawrence Charitable Trust – is fighting for is very close to my heart. Ever since moving to South London, and even more so since starting my relationship with my girlfriend – who is of mixed-race heritage – I’ve become closely aware of the issues facing the underprivileged communities in the UK, and the black community in particular. 

I’ve been learning about the challenging conditions in which many young black men in London grow up in – and how that affects their lives and prospects. It’s opened my eyes to the trauma young people experience, and how the odds are unfairly stacked against them.

That’s why I see such immense value in the work Blueprint for All do and the importance of dedicating time, effort and resource to helping those from underprivileged and deprived backgrounds, who first and foremost need more equal opportunity to succeed in life.

The events of the past two years, and the heightened attention on the BLM movement, have put the challenges facing the black community in sharp perspective, and I’m keen to support the cause of bettering the lives of young people in these communities in any way I can – with fundraising being a very direct way with which I can help.

I'm thrilled to have been awarded one of their sponsor places at the Marathon, and look forward to campaigning on behalf of Blueprint for All over the coming months.

Please do donate if you can as I aim to reach my fundraising target!